On Thursday evening, a stacked South Africa ‘A’ side will line up against a Munster side shorn of their top internationals in Cork. Darry Worthington previews.
The visitors have a star-studded squad that features several fully-fledged Springboks, who will be looking to force their way back into the national matchday 23.
Munster v South Africa A
Thursday 10 November
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
21:30
Munster 32/10 | Draw 23/1 | South Africa ‘A’ 1/4
Handicap
Munster (+9.5) 17/20 | South Africa ‘A’ (-9.5) 17/20
This is a very strong South African ‘A’ side that features World Cup winners such as Thomas du Toit and Herschel Janjties along with capped Springboks Jason Jenkins, Cornal Hendricks, Apehele Fassi, Johan Goosen and the Du Preez twins.
There is also some solid up-and-coming talent in the matchday 23 with Suleiman Hartzenberg and Henco van Wyk set to add some flair to a very exciting backline.
As noted in the introduction, Munster will field a weakened side, but that doesn’t mean they are devoid of talent with ex-New Zealand international Malakai Feikitoa and Ireland international Gavin Coombes set to turn out for the hosts.
They have also been aided in their cause by the returns of Diarmuid Barron, Shane Daly and Roman Salanoa from Ireland’s ‘A’ squad.
Both teams will likely look to play attacking brands of rugby with the SA ‘A’ side possibly experimenting with a quicker game plan that can be transferred to the senior national side, who have struggled for dynamism on the attack over the past few months.
The boys in the South Africa A side will be looking to make a massive statement less than 12 months out from the World Cup. They’ll be fired up, and I reckon Munster will feel their wrath. Also keep an eye on Lions youngster Henco van Wyk, who is likely to be the fulcrum of the attack for the tourists. Get on the South Africans to clear a very modest handicap.
SA ‘A’ Side:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Cornal, Hendricks, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Herschel Jantjies,
1, Ntuthuko Mchunu, 2 Joseph Dweba, 3 Thomas du Toit (c) 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Elrigh Louw, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez
Replacements:
16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Dan du Preez, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Sanele Nohamba, 23 Gianni Lombard
Experienced Test players lining up with some of the best young talent in the country - what's not to like about the South Africa 'A' team? More here: https://t.co/zxSlVdPIjk 🤩#StrongerTogether #StrongerForever pic.twitter.com/ScO8ti612g
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 7, 2022
